Cisco has revised the certification requirements for CCIE Routing & Switching (CCIE R&S)-the expert level certification for network engineers.

The new certification standards reflect the job skills employers look for at the expert level and are outlined on the Cisco Learning Network at CCIE R&S v4.0 written exam topics and CCIE R&S v4.0 lab exam topics. The revised CCIE R&S v4.0 exams are scheduled for release on October 18, 2009 and will immediately replace the currently available v3.0 exams.

“To reflect current job tasks, CCIE R&S certification expectations will include planning for network enhancements, implementing MPLS, Layer 3 VPNs, IPv6 EIGRP and multicast, and configuring performance-based routing. To validate the expanded expectations, v4.0 CCIE R&S exams will put less emphasis on equipment operation and concepts generally understood at the professional level. These skills are still assumed, but will not be the sole objective of CCIE test questions. In addition, advances in testing now allow validation of hands-on troubleshooting—a realistic and challenging job task.” says Maurilio Gorito, content manager for CCIE R&S certification.

To support the certification changes, the Cisco 360 Learning Program for CCIE R&S is being updated with new lessons on MPLS and Troubleshooting, additions to the instructor-led workshops, new lab exercises for self-paced practice, and new performance assessments. The Program is the only authorized expert training currently aligned to CCIE R&S v4.0. The program is delivered globally by Cisco Learning Partners.

Written Exam Topics (Blueprint)
The comprehensive CCIE R&S v4.0 Written Exam (#350-001) has 100 multiple-choice questions and is two hours in duration. The topic areas listed are general guidelines for the type of content that is likely to appear on the exam. Please note, however, that other relevant or related topic areas may also appear.

Lab Equipment and IOS

1841 series routers - IOS 12.4(T) – Advanced Enterprise Services
3825 series routers - IOS 12.4(T) – Advanced Enterprise Services
Catalyst 3560 Series switches running IOS version 12.2 - Advanced IP Services